The artwork on the craft beer cans nowadays is poster-worthy, this Russian Soldier holding a Kalash machine gun is a ripper. And so is this one of a kind Russian Imperial Stout, that is aged in bourbon barrels for 4 months. And is made in relatively small amounts each year.
Thus for me, the taste changes a little each year. Or I just don’t remember it tasting so damn good.
This year Hop Nation Brewers imported their barrels direct from the USA from Buffalo Trace.
The stout has a wonderful nose of mocha coffee with faint oak and a subtle bourbon flavour, with dark chocolate, and just a faint hint of vanilla bean giving a little richness, finishing dry-packed with dark warming flavour.
Dark beers like Stout are an acquired taste. Not for everyone, however the good ones are worth a try now the weather is getting colder.
PS. The biggest Craft Beer range on my side of town isn’t Dan Murphy. It’s a bloody drive-through bottle shop at The Grosvenor Hotel.
Michael Lillis
A good beer is worth tracking down.
